Questions

Life is full of a lot of questions. I have learned that there is only One person who gives me the right answers to my questions. He is the One who has a Look of Love in His eyes.

When I ask Him: “Lord, why are You allowing all these natural disasters? Tens of thousands of lives lost. . .more are homeless and hopeless. . .Lord, You could do something. Why?” I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says: “I AM the helper of the fatherless. . .the defender of the oppressed. I am still in control. My ways are not your ways. Trust Me when your questions are not answered.”

Some days I’m just exhausted. . .I don’t feel like I can handle any more. . .there are too many demands from my ministry. . .from my family. . .from my friends. . .from those in need. He gently picks me up in His strong arms. . .lets me put my head down on His chest. I listen to His heartbeat and I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says: “I love you. Come to Me whenever you are weary and tired. I will give you rest.”

When I blow it and go to Him to confess my sin. . .again. With shame in my eyes I don’t want to look into His eyes. But, He gently cups my chin in His hand, lifts my eyes to His and I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says: “You are forgiven. As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your transgressions. Go and walk in the newness of life.”

When I have been falsely accused. . .my reputation questioned. . .my ministry attacked. I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says: “I understand. I’ve been there. You are blessed if you are insulted because of My Name. Repay evil with blessing. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. . .Trust Me.”

When life gets too hard and I go to Him and say: “It’s not worth it. It’s too hard to live this Christian life.” He gazes at me with Look of Love in His eyes and says: “O My Child, My Beloved. . . every bit of pain and agony I went through on the cross was worth it to have you in eternity with Me. Fix your eyes on Me, the author and perfecter of your faith. It is I who endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. You have a wonderful future. I know. I have prepared a place for you.”

I have experienced that Look of Love in His eyes over and over again and I can’t get enough of it! I have heard Him speak to me through His Word again and again and I can’t get enough of it! How about you?

Life is full of a lot of questions. I have learned that there is only One person who gives me the right answers to my questions. He is the One who has a Look of Love in His eyes.

The first time I experienced that Look of Love was at 10 years old when I began a relationship with Jesus. I experienced that Look of Love in His eyes as He said: “I chose you to be My child before I created the foundations of the earth. . .you are one of My original masterpieces that I created for My pleasure and My purposes.”

Over the years I have experienced His Look of Love in different ways and at different times. When I wandered away from Him, lived my own way, making my own decisions. . .as I returned to Him I saw the Look of Love in His eyes as He welcomed me back with open arms and said: “Welcome home My Child, welcome home. You’re blessed when you stay on My course, walking steadily on the road revealed by Me.”

I have learned that when I have an important decision to make and I frantically go to Him saying: “I could do this. . .or I could do that. . .or maybe. . .Oh! What do I do?” I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says. . .”Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ I am your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

What time do I have to get up to make my first appointment?
What kind of coffee will I buy?
What should I wear?

Others are…more challenging.

Where do I find time for the important people and activities in my life?
How do I raise good kids?
How do I juggle my busy life and a career?
How can I be content as a single when I want to be married? Or How can I be content in my marriage?
Is my life making any difference?

There are many people and places where we can get the answers. . .from the media or magazines. . .from family members or friends. . .In “how to” books or from a counselor. . .from spouses or trusted confidants. Some people try to suppress the questions. While others claim to have all the answers.

Over the years I have learned that there is only One person who gives me the right answers to my questions. He is the One who has a Look of Love in His eyes.

Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. (NIV) Psalm 119:66

By far and away the most oft asked question that I field is: “How can I know God’s will?” The primary way of knowing God’s will is through God’s Word! God’s Word will never contradict His will. If you don’t know God’s Word, dig in and you will find His will! Look at some of the ways that God’s Word works in our lives.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (NIV) Joshua 1:8

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV) 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV) Psalm 119:9-11

He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him.” (NAS) John 14:21

How well do you know God’s Word? Not just your favorite passages, but the whole book? What will it take to for you to become better acquainted with God’s Word so that you will know His will?

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. (NIV) Job 38:4

Are you looking for answers in the midst of difficult circumstances? Asking the questions, but not finding a logical response? More often than not, we must live with unanswered questions and trust God. Here’s what one of my professors at Wheaton College writes about suffering, mystery, and God. . .

“Suffering is sometimes a mystery. We must affirm both the mystery and God. The paradox remained, but now, at least, Job knew that it belonged there — that it is built into the moral and physical orders, and into the very nature of God as He has permitted us humans to perceive Him. In a world where the universal principle is cause/effect, the book of Job reminds us that the principle is a reflection of the mysterious, self-revealing God. It is subsumed under Him, however, and He cannot be subsumed under it. The God-speeches remind us that a Person, not a principle, is Lord.” — C. H. Bullock in “Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books”

Looking for answers? I’d encourage you to cease looking for answers, and instead look to THE ANSWER! A Person, not a principle. It is in God that we can trust regardless of our circumstances!